#1: I hope your name is actually Pearl because that is my middle name and I never meet anyone else named Pearl!

#2: I’m super excited that you decided to apply to Barnard early decision! I know a ton of people who did that and said it was the best option.

#3:Columbia and Barnard mix pretty well socially. It honestly depends on what organizations or clubs you decide to join and classes you decide to take. It definitely does tale a bit of initiative on your part to make sure you hang out with people at Columbia or go to events where there is a good mix but honestly, I don’t think it is a problem at all. The university in general (when counting barnard, cc, seas, and gs) is definitely more girls than guys but it is 100% possible to find a good group of guy friends. Most clubs and organizations have a good mix of both…and so do a lot of classes. I personally have met some awesome guys by writing for a columbia publication called bwog.com. I’ve also met some great guys in various gender studies classes, haha.

I hope that that is helpful! Feel free to ask me any questions that you have, for real. And let me know if you end up going to Barnard!

I just wanted to say that your column is insanely funny and insightful. It’s great through so many lenses: I’m a native New Yorker, and it’s cool to see New York City through your eyes; I’m a queer girl, and it’s exciting to see what LGBTQetc life can be in college; and I’m applying to Barnard Early Decision! Thanks for sharing all your thoughts. You rock.

Question: How well do Columbia and Barnard mix socially outside of a dating context? I know there’s plenty of hetero dating going on, but what are the best ways to meet dudes who want close female friends? I’ve always loved girls and had strong girl friendships, but I also love being one of the proverbial guys. Is this doable? What’s the best way?

Maybe that’s too long and convoluted of a question, but I figured I might as well ask!

I am a future (ie, 3 weeks! what!) NYU student and I have some things to say on this topic.

1. My girlfriend goes to Columbia and she likes me and so do her friends. #proudmemberoftheUPTOWNDOWNTOWNDYKEEXCHANGE #imadethatoneup
#i’msoclever

2. My sister goes to Barnard and she likes me and so do her friends.

3. They both relay a fair amount of disparagement and scorn for NYU from the Columbia/Barnard culture at large, but also a fair amount of respect from individuals (that might, however, have more to do with my sister’s theatre friends being impressed/excited that I am going to Tisch for drama, which in the theater-kid world is kind of a big deal but not that big of a deal, depending on who you are and stuff).

So I think what’s going on is that everyone at Columbia/Barnard *thinks* other people think poorly of NYU but really the vast majority of them don’t? Maybe? Definitely plenty of people find love or at least sex with NYU students…

Ah well there’s the usual good grades and test scores and all that boring stuff. But I know that Barnard is extremely thorough in their admissions process. They really do read every essay and take every part of your application into consideration. I know for me I didn’t have the highest test scores ever, they were fine but not mind-blowing, but I wrote an essay that really showed my personality. It was a lot like the articles I write here in that it was in my own voice and was about being gay but in a humorous way. I’ve since met some of the admissions people and they totally remember my essay! I think they really are looking for well rounded and hard working individuals who are more than just good test takers with high gpas–they’re looking for interesting and creative people.

Also, if you have a chance make sure to sign up to take a tour here that way they know you already have interest in the school. Or if you cant do that send them an email about setting up an interview or something else that shows that you are very interested in going here rather than it just being one of the many schools you decided to apply to.

The Columbia-Barnard queer life is sort of what you make it. My whole freshman year here I just assumed that Barnard was the straightest college ever. I have come to learn that most people here do not necessarily consider themselves straight. They might not consider themselves gay either but, at Barnard at least, it seems as though everyone is a little bit queer. There are groups that you can join at both Barnard and Columbia and I definitely advise going to some of those meetings when you first get here, even if you never go again or find that those sorts of things aren’t for you it is nice to go to a meeting or two in order to meet people. But I think you can meet other gay people pretty much anywhere here–classes, clubs, publications–I’ve met them everywhere!!

During NSOP there will probably be a LGBTQ breakfast that if you are interested in you should go to. It is a nice way to meet people during that hectic first week.

it’s like, you’re being a sassy bitch here, but i want to be your friend now because your username is pika… that’s my cat’s name…and the default avatar looks kind of like my cat… and if my cat were a college-educated person, this is the kind of awful comment she’d write. my cat’s mean, too. what i’m saying is maybe you’re my cat and if so, call me